Dry fire training devices and gun tracking systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A laser pointer or dry fire training device which may be activated by a control system based on accelerometer data and a library of event patterns. The event patterns may model fire arm training activities such as shooting, moving, weapon manipulation, reloading, and dry fire training. This invention also relates to a system and method for positioning a laser using a resilient biasing member that may be formed from a single sheet of metal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/008,234 filed on Jan. 18, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/296,045 filed on Jan. 19, 2010. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/932,036 filed on Jul. 1, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/190,135 filed on Jul. 25, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,584,587, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 13/106,842 filed May 12, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,568,143, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61,334,203 filed May 13, 2010. Also, this application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/809,410 filed on Apr. 7, 2013.

The entire disclosure of each of the U.S. patent applications mentioned in the preceding paragraph is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a device and system for simulating live fire training from a wide variety of handheld firearms. More particularly, this invention relates to a laser pointer or dry fire training device, which may be activated by a control system based on accelerometer data and a library of event patterns. The event patterns may model fire arm training activities such as shooting, moving, weapon manipulation, reloading, and dry fire training. This invention also relates to a system and method for positioning a laser using a resilient biasing member that may be formed from a single sheet of metal.

BACKGROUND

Non-live fire training—repeated drawing, aiming and firing without ammunition—is a practical, convenient way to improve and/or maintain shooting techniques. The practice is limited, however, by the fact that the bullet impact point is a mere assumption; thus the trainees and/or trainers are limited in their ability to evaluate the trainee's performance or improve their skills. Furthermore, there has long existed the need for an apparatus and system whereby a single or multiple user, or trainer and trainee, can readily practice using a firearm without placing themselves or others at risk of accidental discharge of the firearm while still maintaining the ability to recognize the “hits.” This safety imperative coincides with an added desire to limit the financial burden related to the wear and tear on a firearm, including cost of ammunition and use of adequate facilities brought about by live fire training. Accordingly, a need exists for an alternative to traditional firearm training which addresses these concerns and maintains the overall benefit of live fire training without live ammunition.

SUMMARY

Hence, the present invention is directed to dry fire training devices and methods for identifying a gun handling event using an accelerometer interrupt output signal. The dry fire training devices may include an accelerometer and a microcontroller. The dry fire training devices may identify one or more accelerometer interrupt output signals as a gun handling event that matches a data pattern. The dry fire training devices may perform an action (e.g., laser emitter activation) based on the identification of the gun handling event.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals (or designations) are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gun with a rail mounted laser pointer or dry fire training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the laser pointer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the laser pointer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the gun and laser pointer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the laser pointer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the laser pointer of FIG. 1 with the housing cover removed;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the laser module positioning element, as well as the windage and elevation positioning screws of the laser pointer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the laser pointer of FIG. 4, along line 8-8;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the laser pointer of FIG. 1 with the cover removed and showing the lateral extent of oscillating movement of the laser module positioning element;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the laser module and battery of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the laser module and battery of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the laser module positioning element of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the laser module positioning element of FIG. 9 showing lateral extents of oscillating movement of the laser module positioning element;

FIG. 14 is a right side view of the laser module positioning element of FIG. 9 showing elevational extents of oscillating movement of the laser module positioning element;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the laser module positioning element of FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the laser module positioning element of FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a flat pattern for the laser module positioning element of FIG. 9;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the housing body of the laser pointer of FIG. 5;

FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the housing body of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is another embodiment of a housing and laser module positioning element of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the housing and LMPE of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the housing and LMPE of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the housing and LMPE of FIG. 20 along line 23-23;

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the housing and LMPE of FIG. 23 along line 24-24;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the housing and LMPE of FIG. 23 along line 25-25;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the laser module positioning element of FIG. 20;

FIG. 27 is a plan view of a flat pattern for the laser module positioning element of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a dry fire training cartridge in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a side view of the dry fire training cartridge of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a front view of the dry fire training cartridge of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a rear view of the dry fire training cartridge of FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of the dry fire training cartridge of FIG. 28;

FIG. 33 is a partially exploded view of the dry fire training cartridge of FIG. 28 with a retaining pipe assembly;

FIG. 34 is a sectional view of a gun with a dry fire training cartridge of FIG. 28 and a retaining pipe assembly;

FIG. 35 is a sectional view of a dry fire training device of FIG. 28 within an exemplary training barrel;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the laser pointer of FIG. 1 showing the tip of the gun barrel at the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an accelerometer based system for tracking gun movement and simulating live fire training in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a process flowchart for implementing an accelerometer based gun training system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a graph showing a sequence of one dimensional acceleration values for a gun's muzzle measured from the gun barrel axis along the vertical axis during a gun handling event;

FIG. 40 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary circuit for implementing an accelerometer based dry fire training system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for recognizing a gun handling event from gun related accelerometer data, and responsively emitting a pulsed emission of light to simulate live fire of the gun in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a graph showing two sequences of one-dimensional acceleration values for a gun's muzzle measured from the gun barrel axis along the vertical axis, as well as along the gun barrel axis, during a gun handling event;

FIG. 43 is a graph showing a pattern for the data of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary circuit for implementing an accelerometer based dry fire training system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a flowchart of another exemplary method for recognizing a gun handling event from gun related accelerometer data, and responsively emitting a pulsed emission of light to simulate live fire of the gun in accordance with the present invention;

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a laser pointer or dry fire training device 10 in accordance with the present invention. The laser pointer 10 may be secured to a rail 12 under the barrel 14 of the gun 16. The laser pointer may include a gun tracking mode in which movement of the gun is monitored by data from an accelerometer located within the laser pointer. The laser pointer further may include a dry fire training mode in which the laser pointer may be activated to emit pulses of predominately monochromatic light based on accelerometer data and a library of “trigger” event patterns.

As shown in FIG. 2, the laser pointer 10 may include a housing body 18, an accessory rail attachment structure (e.g., a dovetail shaped track and a clamp) 20 for securing the housing body to the accessory mounting rail (e.g., Picatinny rail) 12, a water resistant laser emission aperture 24, a laser pointer windage adjustment screw 26, and a laser pointer elevation adjustment screw 28. The top portion of the housing body may include fasteners 30 for securing a cover 28 (FIG. 5) located on an opposite side of the housing body. The clamp may include a clamping member and a mating clamping member fastener. The clamping member fastener may be partially threaded and disposed in a bore though a side wall of the dovetail shaped track. The threaded fastener may be a hex screw, which may be turned to translate the mounting rail clamp on the opposite side of the housing. The fastener further may extend into the dovetail shaped track.

As shown in FIG. 3, the top side of the laser pointer may include a lid 34 for accessing a compartment 36 for storing a power supply. The power supply may include a battery 38; for example, a 3V battery such as a 2L76 3-Volt lithium battery.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the laser pointer. The width of the housing may be approximately 2.5 cm and height of the housing may be approximately 2.0 cm. The housing further may have a length of approximately 3.0 cm. The laser emission aperture 24 may be offset from the vertical axis 40 and horizontal axis 42 of the gun barrel. Rotation of the elevation screw in the counter clockwise direction may direct the laser emission upward or toward the gun barrel; whereas rotation of the elevation screw in the clockwise direction may direct the laser emission downward or away from the gun barrel. Similarly, rotation of the windage screw in the counter clockwise direction may direct the laser emission inward or toward the gun barrel; whereas rotation of the elevation screw in the clockwise direction may direct the laser emission outward or away from the gun barrel.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the laser pointer. The laser pointer may include a housing body 18, a cover 32, fasteners for securing the cover to the housing body 30, a clamping member fastener 44, a clamping member 46, a laser module (e.g., 16 mm long standard laser module) 48, a laser positioning element (LPE) (or resilient member) 50, a fixation screw 52 for securing the LPE within the housing, a windage adjustment screw 26, an elevation adjustment screw 28, a lens 54, a securing ring 56, an O-ring for sealing the lens 58, a power supply battery 38, a battery compartment lid 34, and an O-ring for sealing the battery compartment lid 60. The O-ring, lens (e.g., clear) and securing ring cooperate with the laser emission aperture 26 to form a water resistant window.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the housing with the cover removed. Visible within the housing is the battery, the laser positioning element (LPE), the laser module, and a screw for securing the LPE in the housing. Also, visible are the tapered ends of the windage and elevation screws, and the LPE power supply battery. One side of the battery may be connected to the LPE via a resilient contact 62. The other side of the battery may be electrically connected to the LPE via the housing body.

As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the elevation and windage adjustment screws may be used to push the LPE (or resilient bias) away from an initial position. For example, the LPE may be fabricated so that when it is installed in the housing, the laser module is in the highest vertical position and the closest lateral position to the centerline of the housing. Tightening the elevation and windage adjustment screws may push (and compress) the LPE downward and outward, respectively.

In FIG. 8. the LPE (or resilient bias) 50 is shown in a generally vertically centered position. In this position, the elevation adjustment screw presses against the vertical position adjustment surface 64 to move the LPE (or resilient bias) into a compressed position which aligns the laser module toward the center of the laser emission aperture.

In FIG. 9. the LPE (or resilient bias) 50 is shown in a generally laterally centered position. In this position, the elevation adjustment screw presses against the lateral position adjustment surface 66 to move the LPE (or resilient bias) into a compressed position which aligns the laser module toward the center of the laser emission aperture.

Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the laser module may include one (or more) printed circuit board (PCB) 68 for controlling laser light emissions from the device. For example, a PCB may include a control circuit that includes an on-off switch 70, a vibration sensor (e.g., an accelerometer IC) 72, a microcontroller 74, power management circuitry, such as a buck-boost converter, and battery connection(s). Another control circuit for the laser module 48 may be included on the PCB or incorporated into the emitter/collimator assembly 74.

The microcontroller may be programmed to operate the laser pointer with a number of functionalities. For example, the laser module may emit a pulse of light in the form of a pulsed laser beam. The light pulse may be of a predetermined nature, which can be adjusted by the electric driver circuitry. Additionally, the laser pointer may be Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) code compatible.

The laser module may emit generally monochromatic “red” light and have a dominant wavelength between approximately 610 nm and 760 nm. For instance, the light emitting mechanism may include a laser diode that emits light at approximately 635 nm or 650 nm.

The laser module may emit generally monochromatic “green” light and have a dominate wavelength between approximately 500 nm and 570 nm. For instance, the light emitting diode may emit light at about 535 nm.

The laser module may emit generally monochromatic “blue” light and have a dominant wavelength between approximately 360 nm and 480 nm.

The laser module may emit generally monochromatic infrared light greater than 760 nm. For instance, the light emitting diode may emit light between approximately 780 nm and 850 nm.

The laser module may emit light in at least a first wavelength of light and in a second wavelength of light. Thus, for example, the illuminator 76 may emit “red” light at a wavelength of 635 nm and infrared light at a wavelength of 780 nm. The use of multiple wavelengths of light may provide valuable benefits for a user.

Preferably, the laser module may include a laser diode for readily emitting at least one wavelength of coherent stimulated electromagnetic radiation. Further still, it is contemplated that the illuminator may include an organic light emitting diode as a source of light for the laser pointer. The exemplary emission spectra described herein in connection with illuminator embodiments that use light emitting diodes apply generally to any device or system that may serve an equivalent function in the laser pointer. Thus, for example, illuminators 76 using a laser diode, organic light emitting diode, or other light emitting device may be used to generate light at wavelengths described herein in connection with embodiments having illuminators based on standard light emitting diode technology.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the LPE. The cradle may be separated from the stem by an arm. The top surfaces of the cradle and the stem may form an angle. The angle of declination between the stem and the top surface of the cradle may be seen in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 16 the lateral wall of the cradle and the stem may form an angle. The angle of bias or initial spring bearing may be shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows a front view of the LPE with the laser emitter 76 disposed in the cradle 78, along with the vertical position adjustment surface and the lateral position adjustment surface.

FIG. 17 shows a sheet pattern 80 for the LPE, in which dashed lines indicate fold lines for forming the resilient member from a flat sheet of material. The LPE may be formed from a bronze material, stainless steel or spring steel. The LMPE may be formed from other materials (e.g., metals and metal alloys) that allow the objects made of these materials to return to their original shape despite significant bending or twisting. For instance, other suitable materials may include a low alloy, medium carbon steel or high carbon steel with very high yield strength.

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 show a perspective view of the housing body 18. The housing body may include an LPE spring well 82, a battery well 36 and a LPE anchor well 84. Also, the housing body may include through bores for receiving the hex fasteners and adjustment screws shown above. The front of the housing body may be thicker than other walls so as to provide integral threading for receiving the laser emission aperture assembly and the elevation and windage screws. The housing body may be made from aluminum or other metal or alloy. The housing body also may be formed from polymer with inserts or over molded parts.

FIGS. 20-27 show another embodiment of the laser pointer housing body 100 and LPE 102 in accordance with the present invention. The laser pointer of FIG. 20 may have similar internal components as the laser pointer of FIG. 1, but these components may be sealed and waterproofed, which may allow the housing to be open to the environment (see FIG. 21).

The elevation adjustment screw 104 may be situated on top of the cover, and the windage adjustment screw 106 may be situated on the right side of the cover. The LPE may be formed into an initial uncompressed position in which the cradle is positioned at a maximum elevation and at a maximum right side lateral position (see e.g., FIG. 26). As shown in FIGS. 23 and 25, the elevation adjustment screw may press the LPE directly on the top surface of the cradle. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the windage adjustment screw may press the LPE directly on the right side surface of the cradle. The cover may be formed from aluminum, another metal or alloy. The cover may be formed from a polymer material (e.g., Nylon 6-6).

As shown in FIG. 27, the LMPE may be formed from a single sheet of material, which may form the base of the housing as well. In this embodiment, the resilient bias arm of the LMPE is integrally formed from the base of the housing. The base may have four flanges 108 with screw holes for positioning and securing the cover to the base with screws or similar fastening elements 110. The LMPE may be formed from stainless steel or spring steel. The LMPE may be formed from other materials (e.g., metals and metal alloys) that allow the objects made of these materials to return to their original shape despite significant bending or twisting. For instance, other suitable materials may include a low alloy, medium carbon steel or high carbon steel with very high yield strength.

FIGS. 28-35 show a light emitting cartridge (or drill cartridge) 210, which may house a laser diode that is activated by a microcontroller. A detailed discussion of the structure and operation of components of a dry fire training device that may be housed in the drill cartridge is disclosed in commonly owned, co pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/008,234, entitled “Dry Fire Training Device,” filed Jan. 18, 2011. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/008,234 is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIGS. 28-31 present an exemplary embodiment of a drill cartridge 210, which is suitable for use in a 9 mm handgun. The drill cartridge may include a front casing 212 and a rear casing 214 which cooperate to form a housing for internal components of the drill cartridge.

Referring to FIG. 32, certain internal components of the drill cartridge 210 may be housed within the front casing 212 and other internal components may be housed in the rear casing 214. For instance, these components may include a lens 257, a striking pad 254, an energy absorbing material 264, a conductive material 266, a control circuit 268, a control circuit bias 270, a securing element 272, an illuminator 274, a resilient member 276, a power supply 278 (which may include one or more batteries 280), an attachment element 282, and an attachment indicator 284.

The dry fire training device may emit emissions of light 286 having a predominant wavelength of between approximately 635 nm to approximately 650 nm. In addition, the dry fire training device may emit another emission of light 288 having a predominant wavelength of between approximately 780 nm to approximately 850 nm.

Referring to FIG. 34, the drill cartridge may be inserted into the chamber of a firearm to simulate live fire training. As shown in FIG. 33, the drill cartridge may be used in connection with a retention pipe assembly 290. The drill cartridge, however, may be used without the retention pipe assembly as well.

Referring to FIG. 35, the drill cartridge also may be inserted into a training barrel 292 for a gun. An exemplary training barrel for a gun is disclosed in commonly owned, U.S. Pat. No. 8,568,143, entitled “Training Barrel,” filed May 12, 2011, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Referring to FIG. 36, a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer sensor may measure and provide measurements of acceleration for an environment to which it is securely attached. As measurement of acceleration is also a measurement of force, gun handling operations (e.g., without limitation, shooting, moving, weapon manipulation, reloading, triggering, and cocking) may cause the gun to absorb external forces and vibrate at a high frequency. High frequency vibration of a gun may leave a distinct trace as it dissipates (or fades back to stable mode). Accordingly, barrel vibrations may be sensed on all three Cartesian axes (x,y,z). The origin of the Cartesian axes may be placed along the central axis of the barrel at the muzzle (or end of the barrel).

One approach for implementing an accelerometer based gun tracking and training system is to investigate and identify vibration (or acceleration) patterns associated with gun handling operations. For example, it is believed that some gun handling operations may produce frequent vibrations along the barrel axis which may be modeled to a slower wave packet form with a restrictive characteristic. Indeed, empirical testing has identified a distinct peaks pattern before a significant fading takes place. The pattern is believed to differ from one gun handling operation to another.

In some cases, an analyzed system measured from initial stability interference to recovery may be considered a Restrained Oscillatory System (or a dumped system). In such a system, assembled wave packets may reveal information about both types of origin force behavior (slow and fast). Separating the slow-changing packet form may provide a model of the system behavior. Such a model may be expressed in measurements such as: acceleration amplitude, disorder event time intervals, or number of first order peaks.

FIG. 37 shows an exemplary block diagram 300 for a gun action tracking system. The system may include a platform 302, an accelerometer circuit 304 connected to the platform, a control circuit in electronic communication with the accelerometer circuit, and an action handle component 308 operatively associated with the control circuit.

The platform may include the physical embodiment of a gun tracking or training device which is fixed to the gun. For example, the platform may be the laser pointer described above or the dry fire training device described below. In the laser pointer platform, the system may be mounted externally and adjacent to the barrel. In the drill cartridge platform, the system may be held within the chamber or barrel. Thus, the platform may vary according to the system mechanical design.

The accelerometer circuit, preferably, may be an electric circuit or integrated circuit (IC) which measures accelerations using designated acceleration sensors (e.g., MEMS technology). The accelerometer circuit may be a separated module in the system or assimilated within the controller circuit or the controller IC. The accelerometer may be adjusted or pre-configured. This may be accomplished using the control circuit or any other external signaling method.

The control circuit may receive data from the accelerometer circuit, process the data, and determine whether an event has accrued. This circuit may include a memory for program data and storing data. The control circuit may be implemented using a microcontroller IC or using another control method. For example, in certain applications the control circuit may be implemented within the accelerometer circuit or the accelerometer IC.

The action handle component may include a peripheral or embedded component which performs actions required from the case of certain event recognition. For example, the action handle component may include a light emitter (e.g. laser), a communication channel, or flash memory located inside the control circuit itself for storing information from the event. A light emitter may include a light projection device/component that may be initiated and disabled using an electric signal. One use of the emitter is to generate light pulses, by alternating the electric signal ON and OFF. The emitter may be implemented using a laser, LED or any other light generating component. In the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein the emitter may be a laser emitter.

In use, the platform of the gun action tracking system is subjected to forces that result in physical vibrations affecting the gun. The accelerometer circuit measures the acceleration of the physical vibrations and may transfer data or interrupt signals to the control circuit. The control circuit may evaluate the transfer data or interrupt signals to determine whether a “trigger” event has been identified. If a trigger event has been identified, the control circuit instructs the action handle component to perform an action.

FIG. 38 shows a high level flow chart for a method of processing accelerometer sensing data and building a behavior pattern of the sampled event 310. The behavior pattern may then be compared to predefined patterns that may be preloaded into the system memory. The outcome of the processing and comparing actions results in the determination of whether a predefined event has accrued. Although, the determination that a predefined event has been detected may be limited to a probability; once this state has been reached the system then may perform actions to respond to the occurrence of the recognized event.

The algorithm may utilize one or more predefined patterns that are loaded to system memory. The sensor(s) may continuously receive data and these data may be compared to the one or more predefined cases in order to determine if a current sensed event matches a familiar event. If the event measured by the sensor(s) is determined to match a predefined pattern, then an action may be issued as a response to the event. The foregoing method also may be implemented without software. For example, a designated hardware circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit, may be used to implement the method without the use of microcontroller unit.

Some accelerometers may be configured to provide a dedicated signal notification when a specified movement occurs. The set of predefined parameters for such a movement may include axis direction, magnitude, rotation angle and duration. This implementation may be harnessed to provide a way of recognizing movement behavior of a gun which differs substantially from an idle state. For example, measured values for these parameters may be used to distinguish a live fire shot (or blanks). One approach for recognizing a live fire shot is to set the control circuit to wait for an accelerometer signal by constantly checking the signal input pin. Alternatively, the control circuit may be set to low-power mode so that it may be initiated by a signal event.

FIGS. 39-41 are directed to an embodiment of a gun tracking system in which a fire event is sensed and identified in the accelerometer circuit according to a predefined configuration. This identification is received in the control circuit as a signal input indicating that a “fire” event occurred. The responsive action is generation of an emitter signal. Preferably, one aspect of this approach is to set the control circuit to wait for the accelerometer signal by constantly checking the signal input pin or to set the control circuit to low-power mode so that it may be initiated by the signal event.

FIG. 31 presents a graph 320 of measured accelerations on the barrel axis of a gun during a trigger event for a specific case scenario. The data were collected at 100 Hz sample rate. The time scale is presented according to sample order, so that each increment represents 1/100 second (or 0.01 seconds). The acceleration is presented in mG (milli-G). Analyzing this pattern on the barrel axis, there is a noticeable distortion in acceleration measurement during the event. Namely, the acceleration value is quickly restrained shortly after the event ends, and the system is back to its stable state a few milliseconds later. Repetitive measurements from similar “fire” events may be collected and analyzed to help assure that configuring the accelerometer interrupt at a predefined threshold of 1000 mG on the barrel axis with a duration of about 1 ms to provide a reliable identification of the event. Although, a sample rate of 100 Hz may not enable a visual representation of restrained oscillatory movement, this sample rate was adequate for this case.

FIG. 40 presents an implementation 330 of an accelerometer 332 based laser device mounted on a blank shooting training gun, using a microcontroller 336 and a laser emitter device 338. As required, a transistor further may be used on the GPIO output in order to drive the laser module to the needed current value. Alternatively, a transistor may be mounted as part of the laser device module. The wiring design routes one interrupt output of the accelerometer (INT1) to an input enabled pin of the microcontroller. The laser is manipulated using one of the controller GPIO pins (i.e. a general-purpose input/output), which may be a generic IC pin that may be programmed to perform as a circuit input or output. Preferably, a four line data communication bus may be connected to allow the controller to define different accelerometer parameters; however, a smaller communication bus or no designated communication bus may be used as well.

FIG. 41 presents an exemplary algorithm 340 for a software application which implements a gun tracking method for identifying a blank cartridge “live fire” event using an accelerometer interrupt output signal. Interrupt output signal INT 1 is set on the Z axis. The microprocessor monitors interrupt output INT1 for a signal. If the microprocessor receives an accelerometer interrupt output signal, then the microprocessor initiates action to generate a pulse of light from the laser emitter device. Otherwise, the microprocessor continues to monitor interrupt output INT1 for a signal.

FIGS. 42-45 are directed to another embodiment of a gun tracking system in which more than one data interrupt may be used to notify the microcontroller about an occurring event. In this embodiment, data from the event may be stored to memory for use by the algorithm for determining whether a preloaded pattern or event has occurred. Preferably, the system may identify and discern gun actions such as: triggering, firing, cocking, magazine replacement, safety locking and others. This embodiment is based on pre-loaded acceleration data patterns of a gun platform. The algorithm compares current sensed event data with known and expected gun behaviors to identify and discern gun actions. The system may be based on a microcontroller IC and an accelerometer IC, which may be synchronized by the software algorithm to check platform data, document event information and react to the events. One aspect of this approach is to set the control circuit to wait for the accelerometer signal by constantly checking the signal input pins or to set the microcontroller to low-power mode so that it may be initiated by the signal. Gun events may be identified and stored according to accelerometer interrupt signals. Monitored accelerometer interrupt signals may be analyzed to determine whether a predefined event has occurred. A response action may follow the identification of the occurrence of a predefined event. This sensing method may be more reliable than the single interrupt output technique. Additionally, more types of gun handling operations may be characterized for behavior pattern identification, and information may be collected for other implementation needs. These other implementation needs may include: interactive user interface, documentation, recording, and sending status signals via a communication-based system etc.

FIG. 42 presents a graph 350 of measured accelerations during a blank firing event. The data were collected at a 1.6 KHz sample rate. The measurements were made on two axes. Namely, the barrel axis (Z axis) and the elevation axis (Y axis), which is perpendicular to the barrel axis. The time scale is presented in sample order, so that each unit represents 1/1600 of a second (or 625 micro-seconds). The acceleration in this graph is measured in mG. Analyzing the pattern on the barrel axis, there is a characteristic of a restricted oscillation on the barrel axis that fits a modulated two-wave pattern. Each major oscillation pulse begins with a high peak which makes it a bit hard for a basic interrupt based system to decipher it from the oscillated mound itself. Also, each barrel peak is synchronized with a reversed peak in the elevation axis (negative elevation). Further analysis reveals positive elevation between these peaks. Accordingly, identifying barrel peaks when the elevation force is not-positive and sensing a positive elevation force in between the barrel peaks may provide a pattern for building and identifying a blank firing event.

FIG. 43 depicts a sequential pattern 360 constructed from data measured along two axis of the gun platform during a blank cartridge “live fire” event. In this embodiment, the approach is to try and fit each sense segment into one roughly determined selection (a type) and ascribe each type with an accelerometer response to form a sequential identification pattern for the modeled event. In FIG. 42, two types are selected:

-   -   the barrel high acceleration peaks when the elevation is not         positive-high; and     -   the elevation change which follows the fading oscillations of         the barrel acceleration between the barrel high acceleration         peaks.         This model may serve as a “filter” for the specific event blank         firing), and thus a currently sensed event which matches (or         fits) the pattern may be identified as the specific event. Table         1 demonstrates a filter for the pattern of FIG. 43.

TABLE 1 Specific Event Recognition Filter Max time to next INT1 INT2 Segment Index (i) expected INT Data Data Type 1 — High Low 1 2 20 mSec Low High 2 3 30 mSec High Low 1 Additionally, INT1 will be set to the barrel axis with a threshold of 4000 mG. INT2 will be set to the elevation axis with a threshold of 1500 mG with minimal duration of at least 7 mSec.

FIG. 44 presents another embodiment of an accelerometer 372 based laser device mounted on a blank shooting training gun, using a microcontroller 374 and a laser emitter device 376. A transistor may be used on the GPIO output in order to drive the laser module to the needed current value. Alternatively, a transistor may be mounted on the laser device module. In this embodiment, the wiring design routes two interrupt output signals of the accelerometer (INT1 and INT) to an input enabled pin of the microcontroller. The laser may be manipulated using one of the controller GPIO pins, which may be a generic IC pin that may be programmed to perform as a circuit input or output. Preferably, a four line data communication bus may be connected between the microcontroller and the accelerometer to allow the microcontroller to define different accelerometer parameters; however, a smaller communication bus or no designated communication bus may be used as well.

FIG. 45 presents an exemplary algorithm 380 for a software application which implements a gun tracking method for identifying a blank cartridge “live fire” event using two accelerometer interrupt output signals. Interrupt output signal INT 1 is set on the Z axis and interrupt output signal INT 2 is set on the Y axis. The program waits for an event occurrence in an idle state. After an accelerometer interrupt event is sensed, the index value I is set to 1. The vector x for the expected values of INT1 and INT2 from pattern location I are retrieved from system memory. The vector y for INT1 and INT2 from the accelerometer are read. The value of the y vector is compared to the value of the x vector. If the value of the y vector does not equal the x vector, then the program returns to the idle state and waits for another interrupt output signal. If the y vector and the x vector are equal, however, then the program determines whether a complete event has been processed. If the complete event has been processed (e.g., the index value, I, shows that the last of the sequential pattern types has been detected and matched), then the program initiates a generate emitter pulse action and returns to the idle state to wait for an interrupt output signal.

On the other hand, if the event is not finished (e.g., the index value, I, shows that the last of the sequential pattern types has not been detected and matched) then the index value, I, is incremented. The program may fetch the expected duration to the next expected interrupt output signal for the pattern and Index value, I. The program may wait until the interrupt output signal is detected or the expected duration to the next expected interrupt signal has elapsed. If an interrupt output signal is received before the expected duration for the next expected interrupt signal has elapsed, then the program reads the vector x for the expected values of INT1 and INT2 for pattern location I. The vector y for INT1 and INT2 from the accelerometer are read. The value of the y vector is compared to the value of the x vector. If the value of the y vector does not equal the x vector, then the program returns to the idle state and waits for another interrupt output signal. By contrast, if the y vector and the x vector are equal, then the program determines whether a complete event has been processed. If the complete event has been processed (e.g., the index value, I, shows that the last of the sequential pattern types has been detected and matched), then the program may initiate a generate emitter pulse action before returning to the idle state to wait for another interrupt output signal.

Accordingly, a method for identifying a gun handling event using two accelerometer interrupt output signals may include the following:

-   -   providing an accelerometer integrated circuit which may include         at least two interrupt outputs,     -   providing a microcontroller that may include at least three GPIO         pins;     -   connecting one GIPO to one interrupt output;     -   connecting another GIPO to another interrupt output;     -   waiting for an accelerometer interrupt output signal in an idle         state;     -   receiving an accelerometer interrupt output signal;     -   checking accelerometer interrupt output signals (INT1, INT2) to         determine whether these signals do not correspond with         respective expected event beginning values (e.g., INT1 high,         INT2 low, Table 1), in which case the controller returns to the         idle state;     -   evaluating interrupt output signals such that each sample of         interrupt output signals (e.g., INT1 and INT2) may be tested         against a predefined expected data pattern;     -   restarting the data analysis process if a received sample of         interrupt output signals does not correspond with a predefined         data pattern;     -   identifying a sequence of accelerometer interrupt output signals         that match a predefined data pattern which corresponds to a gun         handling event; and     -   performing an action (e.g., laser emitter activation) after the         gun handling event is identified.

In use, a laser pointer or a dry fire training device may be attached to a gun. The laser pointer or dry fire training device may include control circuit which electrically connects an accelerometer integrated circuit, a microcontroller, and a laser emitting device. As described above, the microcontroller may receive interrupt output signal(s) from an accelerometer. A program stored on the microprocessor may process the accelerometer data to identify the occurrence of a previously defined gun handling event. For example, the laser pointer or dry fire training device may identify the occurrence of a “live fire” event and then instruct the laser emitting device to generate a pulsed emission of laser or predominately monochromatic light.

Additionally, the microprocessor and accelerometer integrated circuit may be connected by a bus communication line to transfer data from the accelerometer IC to the microprocessor and/or system memory for documenting event information or other applications. The laser pointer or dry fire training device further may be MILES code compatible and adapted for use with a live training tactical engagement simulation system.

While it has been illustrated and described what at present are considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the invention. For example, gun handling event patterns other than those disclosed herein that reflect a specific gun handling activity may be developed. In another example, implementations of the operative aspects of disclosed process algorithms may be modified. Features and/or elements from any embodiment may be used singly or in combination with other embodiments. It is intended that this invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but that the invention include all embodiments falling within the scope and the spirit of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multifunction dry fire training device to be inserted into the chamber of a firearm, comprising: an illuminator for emitting, upon receiving a command from a controller, a first beam of visible light and a second beam of invisible light from the barrel of said firearm, said first and second beams of light being centrally aligned with the barrel; a controller for controlling the functionality of the device including illumination of said illuminator, in response to activating the trigger of said firearm; an actuator, being electrically connected to said controller, for activating said controller; and a power source for providing electrical power to said controller and to said illuminator.
 2. A device according to claim 1, in which the first beam of light has a predominant wavelength of approximately 635 nm and the second beam of light has a predominant wavelength of approximately 780 nm.
 3. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a collimator for focusing the emitted beams on a target.
 4. A device according to claim 1, in which the illuminator includes a light emitting diode for emitting at least one wavelength of light or a laser diode for emitting coherent stimulated electromagnetic radiation. 